Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System Personal Diabetes Manager PDM and Pod with the 1
medtronic receiver v2

Summary

A tubeless, waterproof pump loved by kids and all who don't want tubes. A touchscreen smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof. 

The Medtronic Guardian Connect is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that provides real-time glucose data on a compatible smartphone. The system offers optional low and high blood sugar notifications and can be inserted on the abdomen or back of the upper arm.

 

MARD of 9.6%

Components

Omnipod DASHv2 : Pump

Omnipod DASHv2 : Pump

Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.

Omnipod Dash : Reservoir

Omnipod Dash : Reservoir

Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.

Omnipod Dash : Controller

Omnipod Dash : Controller

Separate Android-like is used for manual insulin delivery via a tubeless pod. Data and notifications from the PDM are viewable on a compatible smartphone.

Guardian Connect : Sensor

Guardian Connect : Sensor

Sensor is inserted underneath the skin, either on the abdomen or arm. Push buttons applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

Guardian Connect : Transmitter

Guardian Connect : Transmitter

Seashell-shaped with built-in Bluetooth capability that allows it to send glucose data directly to a smartphone every 5 minutes.

Guardian Connect : Receiver

Guardian Connect : Receiver

Trends and alerts are viewed directly on a mobile device. Available for both iOS and Android devices.

Device Details

Overview

This system includes a wearable, tubeless insulin Pod that's controlled by a smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM). 

One of the larger sensors, may be cumbersome to wear on some parts of the body under clothes.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Supplies for Pump and Sensor provided by Pharmacy and/or DME suppliers. Price range; $5-$1260 to start and 0-$200/month. Touch-screen controller available in the starter kit at no additional cost.

$$$$
Sometimes covered. The costs vary depending on individual insurance coverage and how insurance classifies CGMs. Price range $0-$600/month.

Data Monitoring Options

Yes
Omnipod data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.

Yes
CGM data can be linked to a CareLink account and shared with the user's health care team. 

Data View Options

Yes
The Omnipod DISPLAY app displays real-time data for the patient. The Omnipod VIEW app allows family and friends to view data for up to 12 Omnipod users. (iPhone compatible only)

Yes
The Guardian Connect mobile app allows users to view glucose levels, trends, create customizable alerts, and share blood glucose data with family and friends. 

Duration and Storage

3-day pump 10-day sensor
Sensors last 10 days and transmitters last 90 and work at 50ºF – 108ºF. Pods can be used for up to 72 hrs and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.

7 Days
Sensors last 7 days, and transmitter battery needs weekly charging and replacement once a year. Both can be stored between 36°F - 86°F.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

YES text to speech
YES 
vibration alerts
A LOT
of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. Data monitoring allows others to track your data during physical activity. 

Waterproof transmitter when submerged in up to 2.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and must be within 20 feet of a connected mobile device.  

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device to avoid highs and the ability to set zero basal rates to avoid lows. 

Measures sensor glucose 24/7 and sends alerts when a high or low is detected. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change. 

Comfort

Low profile & no tubing. Low profile sensor and Omnipod has no tubing but may require more adhesive on the body than other pumps.

More tape is needed for Medtronic sensors.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Manually adjusting dosing. Omnipod DASH System allows the user to manually input their blood glucose (BG) readings from any BGM or CGM device of their choice. Basal and bolus in 0.05 increments.

Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.

Easy to Use

Fewer components. Pod has fewer components to deal with than other pumps and a touchscreen controller. 

Rechargeable sensor transmitter but has the most steps to change sensor.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

2 daily finger-sticks are needed to calibrate the sensor.

Privacy

Discreet. Sensor allows for checking blood glucose on phone/smartwatch. The pod is the most discreet pump option but requires a visible controller to bolus.

Somewhat discreet. Ability to see sugar on watch or phone. Sensor requires regular meter use.